Jal Jhilani Ekadashi was celebrated with great devotion on Monday November 09, 2019 at the Swaminarayan Temple, 1521 N Rand Rd, Palatine, IL. Hundreds of devotees gathered at the Mandir with family and friends to celebrate Jal Jhilani Ekadashi in the presence of Mahant Shree Muktaprasadji. Swaminarayan mandirs around the world celebrate this festival as well.

On Bhadarvo (Bhadra) Sud 11, also known as Parivartini or Jal Jhilani Ekadashi, devotees observe nirjala, a waterless fast. On this day, devotees take a small Murti of Bhagwan, Lalji, and the clay Murti of Ganeshji to a river or lake. Here, devotees perform puja, aarti, and thal of both murtis five times. After each puja, both murtis are taken on a short boat ride. During this time, devotees sing bhajans which describe the importance of sharnagaati, or surrendering oneself to Bhagwan and the Guru. After the puja, the Murti of Ganeshji is submerged into the ocean.

There are a great number of Hindu religious festivals held throughout the world. The festivals typically celebrate events from Hindu mythology, often coinciding with seasonal changes. There are many festivals which are primarily celebrated by specific sects or in certain regions of the Indian subcontinent.

The festive season is widely celebrated. These events have a historic significance and are rooted in various cultural and linguistic norms.

The onset of the famous Diwali is marked by the lighting ‘diyas’, beautifying homes, offering gifts, distributing sweets and visiting friends and family. Similarly, the Holi festival is described as the ‘Festival of Colors”, with its magnificent rain dance and gently throwing the ‘gulaal’ colors on others.

Saints and devotees at Swaminarayan Temple, Palatine, are dedicated to preserve the culture and traditions of our Hindu religion. In temple we celebrate various festivals of our Hindu religion pertaining to Gods Shri Rama, Shri Shyam, Ghanshyam (Shri Swamynarayan Bhagwan).

These festivals are namely Ram Navmi–Shree Ram Janmotsav; Janmashtami-Shree Krishna Mahotsav. To commemorate Janmashtami, the reading of holy Shree Bhagvat Gita, recited by Bhagwan Shree Krishna, was planned by arranging Katha Parayan. Besides these many other festivals are also being celebrated by temple in grand manner.

Enthusiastic and energetic, young Mahant of Swaminarayan Temple Palatine, Shree Muktaprasadji enlightened the devotees by explaining the importance of festivals and temple. With the enthusiasm of all devotee sisters and brothers and cooperation of Saints, all the festivals are celebrated with grandeur.

To celebrate Festival of Ganesh- Ganpati Utsav- this year, the idol of Lord Shree Ganesh is established on 1^st. day of celebration that is Bhadarva Sud 4^th. –Ganesh Chaturthi, and Aarti is recited by devotees in morning as well as evening.

On the eve of Jal Zilani Ekadashi, the holy Lalji Swaroop of Bhagwan is established in a boat that sails in water. According to rituals, five aartis are offered. Devotees reciting Dhoon and Bhajans, singing and dancing, enjoy the festival.

The upcoming event of Maa Jagat Janani Laxmiji – Navratri will be celebrated gracefully where entire atmosphere will be full of devotion adding glamour by playing world famous Garbas and Raas by Devotees during Navratri.

A great attempt will be made to ignite energy hidden amongst kids leading them to foster the world of religion. Lokladila Mahant Shree Muktaprasadji has delightfully declared this program and has cordially invited everyone to attend and enjoy the program.